Activity Overview
When studying a period of history, it's important for students to have a solid understanding of basic terminology that will be used in the unit. This allows them to be able to better understand the events and have the vocabulary needed to have discussions in class.
In this activity, students will use a spider map to define and illustrate major terms used in discussing the Holocaust. This will allow students to better understand the Holocaust and why it happened. Students should be sure their definitions include how each term is directly related to the Holocaust. Teachers may pre-select terms they would like students to study, or they can use from the suggested list below:
Example Holocaust Vocabulary
Extended Activity
Have students expand further on one of the terms defined in their spider map. Students could expand on how the term applies to understanding the Holocaust in more depth, and its relation to a broader perspective on why the Holocaust occurred.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key terms and vocabulary from the Holocaust.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the titles, identify the word or term.
- In the description, write a summary of the definition and it's relation to the Holocaust.
- Create an illustration for each word or term using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from the Photos for Class search bar.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
When studying a period of history, it's important for students to have a solid understanding of basic terminology that will be used in the unit. This allows them to be able to better understand the events and have the vocabulary needed to have discussions in class.
In this activity, students will use a spider map to define and illustrate major terms used in discussing the Holocaust. This will allow students to better understand the Holocaust and why it happened. Students should be sure their definitions include how each term is directly related to the Holocaust. Teachers may pre-select terms they would like students to study, or they can use from the suggested list below:
Example Holocaust Vocabulary
Extended Activity
Have students expand further on one of the terms defined in their spider map. Students could expand on how the term applies to understanding the Holocaust in more depth, and its relation to a broader perspective on why the Holocaust occurred.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that defines and illustrates key terms and vocabulary from the Holocaust.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the titles, identify the word or term.
- In the description, write a summary of the definition and it's relation to the Holocaust.
- Create an illustration for each word or term using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from the Photos for Class search bar.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Holocaust Visual Vocabulary
Organize a classroom word wall for Holocaust vocabulary
Create a dedicated section on your classroom wall to display key Holocaust terms and definitions. This provides a visible, ongoing reference that supports vocabulary retention and encourages students to use academic language during discussions.
Invite students to contribute illustrated definitions
Refresh the word wall with new terms throughout the unit
Rotate in additional vocabulary as you progress through the Holocaust unit. This keeps the wall relevant and reinforces learning as students encounter more complex concepts.
Incorporate word wall activities into daily lessons
Use quick review games, peer quizzes, or word-of-the-day spotlights to engage students with the vocabulary wall. Frequent, interactive use boosts recall and confidence in classroom discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holocaust Visual Vocabulary
What is a Holocaust visual vocabulary activity?
A Holocaust visual vocabulary activity is a lesson where students define and illustrate key terms related to the Holocaust, often using tools like spider maps, to deepen understanding of historical events and concepts.
How can I teach Holocaust vocabulary to high school students?
To teach Holocaust vocabulary to high school students, have them create visual organizers like spider maps that define and illustrate important terms. Encourage them to connect each term directly to Holocaust events for better context and retention.
What are some essential Holocaust terms students should know?
Essential Holocaust terms for students include indoctrination, genocide, antisemitism, dehumanization, bias, and nationalism. Understanding these helps frame discussions about the Holocaust’s causes and impact.
Why is it important to use visual tools when teaching Holocaust vocabulary?
Using visual tools like spider maps enhances comprehension and memory by allowing students to see relationships between terms, definitions, and historical context, making abstract concepts about the Holocaust more accessible.
What is a spider map and how does it help students learn Holocaust terms?
A spider map is a graphic organizer where a central idea branches out to related concepts. For Holocaust terms, it helps students visually organize definitions, examples, and connections, promoting deeper understanding and discussion.
More Storyboard That Activities
History of the Holocaust
- Berlin Holocaust Memorial • eleephotography • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Hitler and Rohm, leader of the Nazi SA • History In An Hour • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Nazi Soldiers • jamiejohndavies • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- old-MIT-classroom_Ryan-Tyler-Smith.jpg • inov8d • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- The Holocaust • San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
